Sewer Lateral Video Inspections

Many homeowners and buyers do not realize that the sewer lines
that connect to the public utility and enter the house are the
responsibility of the home owner in most municipalities. Problems in
the sewer lines can cause flooding of your home and sink holes to
form around the property which can be expensive repairs. Flooding as
a result of a sewage backup can cause damage to structural
components of the home and the interior finished surfaces and create
conditions conducive of mold growth and spread harmful bacteria in
the living space.

Whether your home is new construction or a hundred years old,
Accuracy Assured Home Inspections recommends that a sewer lateral
video inspection be performed on any home that is being purchased or
has had drainage issues. The process is relatively simple and can
alert you to various defects such as cracked and crushed pipes,
blockages, tree root intrusion, offset pipes, improperly sloped
pipes, corrosion, and illegal connections to storm drains. Having a
sewer lateral inspection can save your hundreds and sometimes
thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs and provide you peace of
mind.

Cracks in
Pipes

Cracks can occur in new and old sewer systems. Pipes can be
damaged in new construction due to heavy equipment driving
over areas where pipes have been laid underground.
Settlement in foundations over time can cause compression on
pipes penetrating through the foundation wall and can be a
source of moisture intrusion to basements. Homes on heavily
traveled roads are prone to vibration damage and cracks can
develop.

Pipe Separation

Pipes can separate over time or even be installed with
defects. If piping is not properly supported by compacted
bedding, they can sag as the soil settles resulting in the
pipe joints pulling apart. Improperly installed piping can
allow for gaps to collect debris which will trap debris.
Leaks in separated sections of pipe can cause erosion of
soil and allow for sink holes to develop and can contaminate
drinking water supplies.

Blockages

Blockages can occur from many sources. One of the most
common that is encountered is from grease buildup in the
pipes. Objects and materials that are improperly disposed of
can also cause problems. Items such as toys, rocks, and
construction debris have been found inside of sewer lines. A
common problem that is encountered is after a property has
been newly constructed or renovated and drywall contractors
or tile setters wash their tools and equipment inside a home
which creates blockages from dried drywall compound or
grout.

Tree Root
Intrusion

Tree roots can cause serious issues and result in complete
blockages in sewer lines. Cracks in lines allow for roots to
enter that thrive on nutrients flowing through the sewer
system. Root systems can spread large distances from trees.
Root intrusion problems have been found as far as twenty
feet from the nearest tree.

Corrosion

Cast iron pipes corrode from the interior. To the average
homeowner, damage is not visible until it is too late.
Corrosion can create weak points in the pipe wall that are
prone to developing leaks or cracks which can allow for raw
sewage to leak into the home. Cast iron piping is also prone
to scale buildup which can create rough surfaces and form
blockages.

Mechanical
Restrictions

Nobody is perfect and sometime plumbers make mistakes.
Installed defects are common finds that can restrict the
flow and decrease the functional diameter of pipes. Here is
an example where a piece of ABS drain pipe was inserted too
far into an older cast iron drain connection creating a
partial obstruction. This home had sewer backups in the past
which resulted in damage to the interior.